The Battle is the Lord’s

Have you ever had a morning when you woke up feeling that Satan must be working overtime on you?  It happens to me all the time, especially just before some big ministry event when everything seems to go wrong.

For example, one day we were preparing to return to India in just a few short weeks.  And what happens?  Our truck had a cracked exhaust manifold, Alice had the flu for two weeks, and I had this overwhelming feeling that nothing was getting done.

But the Bible reminds us that the battle belongs to God.  2 Chronicles 32:8 tells us, “...but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles."

On December 2, 2015, 14 lives were ended.  There are so many families and lives in San Bernardino, California that have been impacted by this shocking act.  So many people, believers and unbelievers alike, are asking, “WHY?”  I can’t even begin to answer this question, yet in my opinion, it is just more evidence of how much this world needs Jesus.

We live in a broken world; hurting people hurt other people.  Nothing can be done to bring back the lives of those so violently cut short.  But as Christians, there is action we can take.  God calls us to be His vessels; His hands and feet in a place lacking true love and worth.

It may be easy to “rejoice with those who rejoice,” but we must also be willing to “mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15)  We can be who God calls us to be, here and now, there and then.

“Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart…For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:1, 6)

Not only is He the light of the world, but He sheds His light on us that we may then be the light of the Gospel.  There is no doubt in my mind that God never stops speaking to His people; the question is, are we listening?

But how can we be the light if we have not accepted Him ourselves?  If we truly know Him, how can we not desire that everyone experience the same relationship with Him that we have?

We are God’s vessels, and we are to represent Christ in our lives.  2 Corinthians 4:7 talks about how we are like “jars of clay” and it is from God that we have power and grace.  We are only human, and we are bombarded with trouble and trials continually.  Our time on this earth is short, yet through all of this, God is preparing us for greater tasks and unseen glories.   

Nearly every day I am reminded that what God has in store for us is greater than anyone could ever imagine.  And this alone should encourage each of us to look up to Him, and to the road ahead. So, do not lose heart!

Coming back full circle, the battle does belong to the Lord.   This doesn’t mean that we sit around and do nothing.  This means that we keep walking in faith, and learn and do what God says.  If we can’t imagine our lives without Him, why would we want anyone else to face life (and death) without Him?

Listen to what 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17 says, “This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's…You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"

We can trust God because He already knows what the outcome will be.  This prepares us for the battle.  No matter the situation, God is bigger and will bring us through whatever the trial or temptation.  Just seek His face and cover yourself with His protection every day.

And finally, “…be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10)

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